The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration announced Thursday it would unlock $6.4 billion in formula funding to help states develop carbon reduction strategies and address climate change.
Part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the newly created Carbon Reduction Program would allow states to use funds to expand transportation options to help American families help save money on gas.
“As the sector generating the most carbon emissions in the U.S. economy, transportation must play a leading role in solving the climate crisis,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Carbon Reduction Program will help reduce pollution from transportation and move us closer to the President’s ambitious goal of cutting emissions in half by 2030.”
The CRP will fund projects designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from on-road highway sources like installing infrastructure to support the electrification of freight vehicles or personal care to constructing Bus Rapid Transit Corridors, for example. Under the CRP, states must develop carbon reduction strategies in consultation with Metropolitan Planning Organizations to identify projects and strategies that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions in their states.
“This new program provides states and local agencies in both urban and rural areas the flexibility and funding needed to reduce emissions and build a more sustainable transportation network that will benefit all travelers,” said Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes transformative investments in our nation’s transportation infrastructure, and this is one of the key programs that will help address the climate crisis.”
Eligible projects include on- and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other nonmotorized transportation modes and projects that support the deployment of alternative fuel vehicles. Previously, the FHWA announced state-by-state totals, including CRP funding. The Department of Transportation has sent $52.5 billion to states for Federal-aid Highway Program apportionments, as determined by Congressional formulas.